Sometimes the biggest changes start with the smallest moments - like immunising a pepī.

During my regular home visits with whānau, our kōrero often start with a simple question: “When was the last time you saw your doctor or nurse?” Most parents are engaged when someone in the whānau is unwell, but these visits are also a chance to gently encourage well checks - heart health, cervical screening, immunisations, hauora for both wāhine and tāne.

One day, I was visiting a young māmā to immunise her pepī. We spent those 20 minutes after the vaccine talking - really talking. In that quiet space, as we watched her pepī, we wove in kōrero about hauora wāhine. It turned out her cervical screening was overdue. She had received a Message of Concern (MOC) but hadn’t followed up.

With her consent, we did an HPV test on the spot. HPV was detected, and after another kōrero, she agreed to do a follow-up. Now we wait for results together.

Māmā was understandably scared and anxious - this wasn’t the news she expected. But her bravery and curiosity shone through. She asked questions. She read the information. Later that night, she texted me with more pātai. That simple message told me everything: we were building trust. She knew she didn’t have to navigate this alone.

This is the heart of what we do - meeting whānau where they are, creating safe spaces, and walking alongside them on their hauora journey. What began as a routine immunisation became a turning point in māmā’s healthcare. That’s the power of connection, whanaungatanga (partnership), and showing up. It’s also the power of tino rangatiratanga (self-determination) and kaitiakitanga (active protection).

What’s one way your organisation is meeting people where they’re at? Or providing them with the support they need to make an important decision?